Bear Outside

Lots of people have inner strength, but one girl wears hers as a bear outside.

Some folks have a lion inside,
Or a tiger.
Not me.
I wear my bear on the outside.

In this imaginative picture book by Jane Yolen, acclaimed author of many distinguished children's books including Owl Moon and How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight, a girl explores the many ways she expresses herself by imagining that she wears a bear as her personal protective shell. They go everywhere and do everything together. The Bear is like a suit of armor and a partner all in one, protecting her from bullies and giving her strength to be bold when she needs it. In turn, she listens to and takes care of the Bear.

Jane Yolen's story beautifully portrays the relationships we have with our inner-selves, encouraging readers to stay in touch with and wear these qualities with pride. Her text is paired with the spritely art of Jen Corace, illustrator of bestseller Little Pea, Small World, and Brave Jane Austen.

Author: Jane Yolen
Publisher: Neal Porter Books
Published: 03/02/2021
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 11.10h x 8.70w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9780823446131
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 12/21/2020
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2021
Kirkus Reviews 01/15/2021
School Library Journal 02/01/2021 pg. 63
Booklist 02/15/2021 pg. 53
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2021 pg. 128

About the Author
Jane Yolen is one of the most distinguished and successful authors for young readers and adults in the country. She is the author of close to 400 books--including Rum Pum Pum with Holiday House, Briar Rose, Sister Light, Sister Dark; Owl Moon, and the immensely popular The Devil's Arithmetic. Her books have won awards including the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, the Jewish Book Award, and two Christopher Medals. SFWA named her the 2017 Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master for her contributions to the literature of Science Fiction and Fantasy. She lives in Hatfield, Massachusetts.

Jen Corace is the illustrator of many books for children, including Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Small World by Ishta Mercurio, and Brave Jane Austen by Lisa Pliscou. She has a BFA in illustration from Rhode Island School of Design, and she lives and works in Providence, Rhode Island.